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Sunday, February 28, 2010

Today was quite the day for cleaning. I got my wonderful husband in on the fun! We busted butt today. I took before and after photos to prove it! I'll put up the list along with the photos for each room.

First, I have to brag on my son. He's 10 months and is, by far, the cutest kid on the planet.

Don't argue.

Anyway, the hubby and I were planning on trying to conceive again in a few months. (Well, starting to not worry about it either way) I wanted Franklin to be introduced to the potty because, well, the thought of starting potty training at 3 (the "usual" age) was overwhelming. We use cloth diapers so that helps A LOT. This child hates being wet. When he was younger he would scream like he was being tortured; now he whines and tugs on you to let you know "Hey, something is NOT cool around here." I like that. Disposable diapers are really good at pulling moisture away, but they're too good at it. I believe that most children don't know what it really feels like to be wet until they start potty training.

The AAP will tell you that you shouldn't introduce potty training until at least 2 years old. Whatever. I know women that do Elimination Communication (infant potty training) from birth and are totally successful in getting their child out of diapers really early. (Sometimes as early as 12 months) It all depends on what you consider "potty training." The ability to stay dry and use somewhere other than your pants? Or the ability to walk in, undress, wipe, etc...? Well duh the latter isn't possible until the child is older. I, however, view it as the former. So we bought a potty chair (we really like the Baby Bjorn "throne" style one) and I've been offering it whenever I can. I offer it right after he wakes up (in the morning and after each nap) and if I can catch him pooping. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I don't stress. It's mostly to just introduce the idea of "You can go somewhere else."

So, the bragging: The past few mornings we've started by sitting on the potty chair. And each time he's peed in it! (He usually pees in a diaper AGAIN 15-20mins later...but whatever) And yesterday I caught him pooping and set him on the chair and he finished his poop in the chair! That's right, my 10 month old can use the potty. Be amazed!

Okay, digression over.

What's on my list today? More freaking laundry. I thought I was almost done (I had enough for a single load. It was awesome) and then I walked the house and gathered dirty laundry.... And I was back to square nothing. So, insert a huge sigh.

- Put away clean laundry

- Fold laundry

- More laundry (I think this is going to be my Sisyphean task...there, you learned a new word today!)

- Sheets if I can

- We got our new furniture moved in yesterday so I need to utilize my new storage space! (which means decluttering the closet)

- Make packing list

- Vacuum the pantry/cupboards (This is going to be on here forever)

- I have some emails to write

- Quick "once over clean" around the house

So, today isn't that bad. It's funny. Yesterday's list was huge and I got going around 8:30am and worked really hard...and was finished with most of it by 12 noon. I ended up bored for the rest of the afternoon! I'll probably take it a bit slower today. I mean, I like being able to say "I got everything done" but I don't like being bored.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

I've been up for an hour (since 7am) and my friends tell me that's early...*shrug*

Okay, I've been lazy the past few days because I've been sick. It's hard to want to do anything when you've been unable to sleep because your body has this stupid need to cough up a vocal chord. Add in waking up unable to breathe. I think my body is trying to kill me. We shall see.

We got MORE furniture! A computer desk (Yay! We've been using one of those cheap Walmart things. This new one has DRAWERS) and a filing cabinet. I'm SO excited. Now I have storage space. I've been shoving things into the closet...

That means that today I need to clean up. So, I'm making a list (because I do much better when I can physically mark things off) I challenge you to do some of the stuff on my list.

- Dishes

- Wipe down kitchen (waist up clean)

- FINISH LAUNDRY (this one has been on here for a week)

- Wash sheets

- Wash diapers

- Pick up Master Bedroom

- Vacuum said bedroom

- Vacuum living room before moving new furniture into place

- General declutter

- Clean Master Bath

- Quick wipe Guest Bath

- Dust (I noticed I can write my name in the master bedroom...not good)

- Clean kitchen floor

Whew. I think I covered the whole house...

I'll probably get started around 9am...I need my coffee to kick in first!

Monday, February 22, 2010

I know, I know...I wasn't around yesterday. I was out of house most of the day and, when I got home, it was dinnertime.

Today I don't know what to have you do! I'm trying to get on top of things again (after yesterday it looked like a bomb went off in here) Right now I'm washing a load of diapers and running a load of dishes. I picked up a bit but Franklin pulled it all back out again!

I did a load of laundry and a bit of vacuuming yesterday...that was IT!! I feel so lazy!

You know what? Just enjoy today! If you want to clean please go for it. If you want to spend the day vegging out then have at it. Spending the day playing with your little one? That's great! I'm having great weather so we'll probably go for a walk this afternoon.

So, I'm sick. This makes several days in a row. Ugh, this winter has been a season of one cold right after another for me. I got a stomach bug right before Christmas and it's like I can't just get WELL. I even started taking vitamins!

*sighs* Anyway!

Today I want you to Clean Something That Rarely Gets Cleaned!

You know the floor behind the toilet? Out of sight, out of mind? Not today! Turn off your ceiling fan. Are you growing a carpet up there? Do you usually scrub the outside of your toilet? (Trust me, it needs it!)

Additional Challenges:

- Spend 30mins cleaning anything

- Walk through your house with a small trash bag (grocery bags work the best) and throw away at least 5 things (bonus points if you throw away more)

- Walk through the house with a damp cloth and wipe down as many surfaces as possible

Thursday, February 18, 2010

That would be my husband. *sighs* When we fly I will not be writing on my socks (because they pull people out of line and make their lives hell for little things like that) and I will be wearing shoes. (probably....that one is still up for discussion)

However! I will be keeping track of everything said to me about my inserts (I'm going to ask about them and argue that they're medically necessary) and keeping track of how much of my day is spent without them. Then, I'll be writing my Congressman, Governor, and anyone else I can think of to complain about my trip.

I"ll also be reading my Ann Coulter book the entire time...possibly aloud. It depends on how pissy I feel that day.

Hi everyone! I'm Natalie, and I'm thrilled to be guest posting today... this is just a little post about a fun project I tackled recently! :)

The Nester is a really great home decorating blogger! Go check her out here. Also, here is a little definition of tablescaping.
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

First, I suggest you read this post. (I LOVE this blog by the way) If you're feeling guilty about your house being a mess this blog will make you feel better. (At least, it did for me)

Today we're Getting Back To Basics

Make a list of the top Basic things that need to be done each day. I suggest: Load of Laundry, Load of Dishes, Load of Diapers (for those that use cloth!).
Now, make a list of things that need to be done each WEEK. Wipe down the bathroom, scrub a toilet, wipe a window, sweep the floor, wash your sheets.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

This will be the last installment for the weekend. I'm headed out of town so I'm taking a brain break from EVERYTHING (I'm even turning off my phone!) So it's kind of a weekend task.

Get a Second Opinion.

Basically, have a friend (or total stranger if you're bold) change something in your house. Nothing major! Don't knock out a wall or paint something black just because So-And-So told you to! Use common sense. Let them suggest moving a piece of furniture or get rid of an old knicknack that doesn't quite fit. Trade something with them. Give something to them. Let them give something to you. Or have them come help you clean!

Don't have any friends in the area you can invite over? Take a picture of the area in question and post it online to get opinions. Email the photo to someone and get their thoughts on the space.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

I said in a previous post that my two "it" rooms are the kitchen and the bathroom. Well, because of an ant problem (I'm fairly certain there's a fire ant nest underneath my building) the kitchen stays pretty clean. (Not spotless by any means, but clean enough I don't lose my stuff when I walk in!) Can you see where I'm going?

Task of the day: Beautify Your Bathroom

These are the Housekeeping Channel's Bathroom Basics to get you started. Basically, clean until it shines!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

I got the idea because it's something I just did! (I'll do photos eventually. My camera is giving me trouble)

Today your task is Enhance Your Entryway!

Think about it: What is the first area of your house that guests see? The front door and the area just inside the front door. This can color their perception of your entire home! If they walk in and see a cluttered and/or dirty entryway they may end up seeing even the smallest bits of clutter throughout the rest of the house. AND some people (delivery people or people picking you up) only see the entryway! The added bonus is you'll actually know where things are when you're leaving the house. How many times have you been unable to find your second glove or your umbrella because of the clutter and mess?

Monday, February 8, 2010

Okay, I only have a quick second because I really have to clean my house. (one of these days I'm going to post pictures so you know I'm not kidding)

Today your goal is to Freshen Your Fridge

I actually love doing this. It's quite liberating.

When was the last time your fridge had a thorough cleaning? Go through and look inside each and every container. I can hear you now, "But I know what's in X container!" Look anyway! Just to be on the safe side and to remind yourself of what's in there. Label things if you feel the need. Throw out anything that is remotely icky. Reorganize things. Scrub down the surfaces. Give the outside a good wipe. Reassess all of the items on the outside. Throw away things that are trash. Store the important stuff. Frame a child's drawing or two.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Today I want you to rest! Yep, I'm serious. Take some time and do something for YOU. Eat a favorite food (or dessert!), take a hot bath, do a face mask, or watch a TV show without worrying about chores!

It's a bunch of really simple, quick things. Basically, you're going to go through your house and get rid of trash and JUNK! This is a great task to have kids help. Play "What doesn't belong?" and get them to help find things the proper home!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Today I want you to clean something until it shines.FlyLady recommends shining your sink every single night so you wake up to a clean sink. Personally, that doesn't always work for me. Sometimes I have the dishwasher loaded to the max and there's still a pot or two left. Besides, waking up to a shining sink while the rest of the kitchen is wrecked doesn't really do it for me. Now, if I clean the ENTIRE kitchen and wake up to a shining KITCHEN I feel great. Maybe your thing is the bathroom (that runs a close second for me). Maybe you love it when your dining table is gleaming and decorated. Is it a clean mirror? Or watching the sun shine through clean windows?

Take the day to think about it. Walk around your house and see what FEELS like it needs a good shining.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Wow, I'm impressed that I've kept this up this long. 4 days is a good run! Still going strong out there? Let's get to it!

Today we're Dealing With THAT Stuff

You know the stuff I'm talking about. Whatever flashed in your mind when I said "That Stuff" is exactly what I want you to use as your focus. Maybe it's that area of the house that gets stuff tossed in it (closet anyone?), maybe it's that drawer in your kitchen you don't know what's there (we all have one), maybe it's that gift (or gifts) that you've held on to just because it's a gift. I could go on and on.

Well, you have officially been given permission to deal with THAT stuff! I encourage you to get it out of your house! Sure, you might feel a bit guilty at first, but in the end you'll feel better! Clean out a drawer. Don't give me that "No one sees inside a drawer" stuff. Some people will tell you it's the negative energy you have to worry about. I'm not sure I buy that...but I know that the way things in your house make you feel affects your day.

Go for it!

By the way, I'm looking for any and all suggestions to add to LOVING your house!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

We're on Day 3 of Letting Ourselves Value Everything! (It's growing on me)

Feeling better yet? It's only Day 3 so if you feel the same don't worry about it!

Today's task: Add some color! Pick a room, any room, and add some color to it. This may involve moving something from another room, purchasing/finding a cheap item, trading with a friend, or having one of your children color you a great picture!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

So, here we are on day two of learning to love our homes! Did you apply step one yesterday? I'll be the first to admit that I did not! However, we're sick so I'll probably catch up this weekend.

What's in store for Day Two? Another easy one: Give something away. This needs to be a big ticket item. A lamp, a chair, an end table, etc... Just last week I gave away this horrid corner TV stand. I held on to it because it was free and sort of useful. However, when the baby became mobile I cleaned it out and it just SAT in the corner like that lonely kid at recess. So, I gave it a new home. The woman that took it was VERY grateful and I felt good that I didn't just throw it away.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Okay, here's my idea. One step at a time, one day at a time, I'll use this blog to help myself, and my readers, to LOVE our homes. Together, we can Let Ourselves Value Everything. (I'm working on my acronym...ideas are welcome)

Don't balk at the idea of having a "task" each day! It will be something easy. (Psh, like I could do something complicated with MY son? HA)

Let's get started!

Feb 1st and Step One: Move Something(see, I told you it was easy)

Seriously, right now, get up and go move SOMETHING. That candle that just sits on that table in your living room? Wouldn't it look great on the dining room table during dinner? (If you're feeling especially productive maybe move several candles) That poster/photo that never looked quite right on that wall? Try another spot. Move the couch to a different spot in the room. Take those bolster pillows out of the bedroom (do you really use those?) and put them on the couch.